Dr. Essam Khamis, Vice President of the Egyptian Russian University and a member of the Steering Committee for the Arab Classification of Universities, participated in the activities of the workshop on “The Arab Classification of Universities” held at the headquarters of the Association of Arab Universities in Amman, Jordan, from 18 – 20 September 2022, under the auspices of Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary General of the Arab Universities Union, headed by Dr. Abd El- Majid bin Amara, Secretary General of the Union of Arab Scientific Research Councils and Technical Team.
Dr. Essam Khamis indicated that scientific research is currently witnessing a research renaissance in Arab universities, and it is expected to be more in the field of innovations and benefit from research outputs. He added that the classification of universities is only a means of measuring the level of the university, as it tracks the tools and capabilities available to the university to achieve its goals but not an aim to achieve the goals that the university planned in advance and which it seeks to accomplish. He pointed out that the university classification measures the quality of the universities, including the quality of the educational and research process, the impact of scientific research on society, the achievement of sustainable development goals, as well as the excellence of faculty members. Thus, it is time for the Arab countries to have their own university classification with indicators that commensurate with their vision and needs. Therefore, the Arab Classification Council of Universities, emanating from the General Secretariat of the Arab League, the Arab Organization for Culture and Science ( ALECSO ) and the Association of Arab Universities, announced the “Arab Classification of Universities” project about 18 months ago, which depends on indicators and criteria that commensurate with the vision and needs of Arab countries. It is expected that the classification will begin next October.
The classification aims to be a major catalyst for academics to strengthen international relations and cooperation with the final beneficiaries, and encourage them to convert their research outputs into products that benefit society, to help attract distinguished professors to teach in universities, and outstanding students and expatriates to join them for study.
Dr. Essam Khamis reviewed a number of basic performance indicators, where the classification depends on accuracy and objectivity through several indicators and criteria in which the comprehensive tasks of the university are evaluated, such as the quality of teaching and learning (30%), scientific research (30%), creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation (20%), so that the classification can have an economic dimension of application and aim to encourage scientific research based on creativity, development and innovation in universities and research centers. It also helps to encourage marketing and dissemination of scientific products and technology management, to reach the knowledge economy, in addition to the indicator of international and national cooperation and community service (20%).